Species saussurea
pink-purple flowers with lime-green sepals, green leaves and stems

saussurea

Saussurea pulchella

Saussurea pulchella, also known as Chinese Flying Coneflower, is a beautiful, evergreen perennial plant. It is usually found growing in the mountains of western China, where it is used as an ornamental plant. Its showy white, bell-shaped flowers with dark purple centers are attractive to beneficial pollinators, and its glossy green foliage makes it a standout in any garden. This hardy plant thrives in well-drained soils, and once established, it's drought tolerant and low maintenance. Showy and easy to grow, Saussurea pulchella is the perfect addition to any low-maintenance garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

Pale purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

watering

For optimum growth, Saussurea should be watered every 7-10 days. The soil should be kept moderately moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly until the soil is damp to a depth of 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches), then allow the soil to partially dry before watering again. Avoid over-watering as this may lead to root rot. Make sure that the pot has good drainage to ensure excess water can escape. During the hot months of summer, it may be necessary to water more frequently.

sunlight

Saussurea pulchella is a species of plant which grows best in direct sunlight. For optimum growth, it should receive at least 8 to 10 hours of full sun per day. For maximum health and flowering, place the plant in an area that receives full morning sun and afternoon shade or only morning sun. It is important to avoid excessive direct sunlight, particularly in hot, dry climates, as this can damage the leaves and cause the plant to scorch. Additionally, it is important to gradually introduce new plants to full sunlight to ease them into the environment and ensure that they don’t get burnt or stressed.

pruning

Saussurea should be pruned annually in late autumn or winter for shaping and renewal of the plant. For best results, begin pruning lightly in spring before the plant begins to flower and emphasize removal of dead or damaged branches. Prune back the longest branches by half and remove any shoots that appear below the main canopy. Prune out any dead wood and thin focused areas of the plant to ensure airflow and light reach all parts. When pruning this species, make sure to take care not to remove the older woody parts of the plant as these are necessary to keep the plant look healthy and vibrant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Saussurea pulchella typically starts flowering in July.

Hardiness Map